Nitty-Gritty Of Recycling Befuddles Residents

Wondering when you can get rid of that growing pile of recyclables? Unsure what you’re supposed to be putting in those special trash bags? You’re not alone.

Alternate week recycling pick-up began July 28, and the new program presented a double whammy for Rockaway residents, as well as for the rest of the city.

First, overflowing garbage cans and bags filled with sun-baked recyclables dot Rockaway curbs. Even the head of the city’s Department of Sanitation admitted to reporters that it looks bad out there—city wide. The mayor reacted this week by saying he will not settle for dirty streets and has been working to find dollars to restore pick-up service.

The second problem is that some mistakenly put out recyclables on the wrong week. Then the cans sit for days, until they are dragged back to the driveway or garage, or are eventually picked up.

The good news is that tickets for those who put their recyclables out on the wrong day or who mistakenly mix their garbage, will not be issued for a 60 to 90 day grace period, according to Sanitation spokesperson John Pampalone.

If you’re confused about what and when to recycle, clarification is only a phone call away. Dial 311, the city’s non-emergency helpline, give them your address, and they will tell you all you need to know about your garbage. You can also go to www.nyc.gov and link to the Sanitation site, where you can type in your address and see your collection schedule.

The collection days have not changed, but you have to determine if your home or business is in an "A" week or "B" week zone.

All of Broad Channel and most of Rockaway, except for an area at the eastern end, are in the "A Zone." Pick-up for the "A" zones will be the week of August 10-16, then 24-30 and so on.

Far Rockaway has the only "B" zone area on the peninsula. If you are south of Ocean Crest Boulevard, north of the intersection of Beach Channel Drive and Cornaga Avenue or east of Beach 19 Street, you are in a "B" zone. Your pick up will be the weeks of August 17-23, then August 31-September 2-6 and so on. September 1 is a holiday.

What to Recycle:

Plastic bottles, jugs, cartons and drink boxes along with metal, cans and foil should be cleaned and then placed in clear bags, blue bags, or in garbage cans marked with a blue label.

Mixed paper goes in clear bags or in cans marked with a green label. Corrugated cardboard must be tied in bundles.

Glass is garbage until April of 2004, when it is expected to once again be recycled. At that time, weekly recycling pickups are also slated to return, Pampalone said.